Unit 1: Lessons 9-11 (2024)

Writing:  Last year, we did the entire opinion paragraph together from start to finish. My class this year is overall a lot higher, so they didn't need as much help. I created an example on the board for those who still need support. Most of the kids were able to fill in the blanks with their own character/theme, and write their own examples.

Reading:  We used the beginning, middle, end organizer from my interactive notebook.  Then we talked about how to be detailed in a retell. 

We are done with DIBELS testing so I listed my kids high to low, then partnered them up as pictured below. (Names were removed) I handed out these partner cards and we used them during the rereading and workbook page of Alice in Wonderland.

Theme:  We reviewed theme by doing the Kagan structure Graffiti Wall.  Around the room were posters with each theme on them. The kids walked around and added to each poster. This was a lot more engaging than a whole group discussion. They were up and moving, kids were talking about theme, and their learning was visible. BONUS! We now have anchor charts for the paragraph writing!

Predictions:  We used the prediction foldable from my interactive notebook. They were SO engaged during this! The discussion was like no other we'd had before.  Lesson 11 required one prediction before the story, but I added a predicting slide between each picture card.  They did a turn-and-talk after typing their prediction, and I shared answers on the big screen.

Language: Wordwall.net games! 

Personification: I used these Boom Cards as a review of personification. When they did this independently, they did not do so well so we completed them a 2nd time as a class.

Unit 1 Slides

Unit 1 Interactive Notebook